I want to thank those of you who have followed my work and continue to do so, as you have mentioned the positive impact it has had on your recovery. As a reminder, this workbook is designed to help you and your family communicate your struggles at home and with a clinician. It is not designed to replace therapy! My workbook is designed to help you and your family resolve conflicts, develop compassion for each other, and better understand how faith plays a key role in lasting recovery.
Please note that if you are new to my blog, the sample posts from each chapter are samples only and are not in order.
“For God has not given us
a spirit of fearfulness but one of power, love, and sound judgment.”
2
Timothy 1:7 CSB
Introduction
to CH 4 Workbook:
In 2022, during the COVID-19
pandemic, an estimated 1.6 million American adults attempted suicide, and
49,476 Americans died by suicide according to federal health statistics. A 2023
systematic review and meta-analysis of 52 students found approximately 51% of
individuals with eating disorders experience suicidal thoughts, while 22% have
attempted suicide. To reduce these numbers, this chapter will focus on understanding
relapse and recognizing signs to prevent it. You will learn about examples
of suicidal tendencies and warning signs that may increase the risk of a
suicide attempt. Given the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on
social, economic, and societal inequalities, I believe it’s crucial to explore how
the pandemic affected your family dynamic and your mental health. For this exercise,
you will evaluate your mental health before, ...
You
will learn what triggers a negative thought-loop cycle, ways to ground your
body as you gently interrupt it, and what occurs in the brain as
this cycle continues. To help you develop a healthier self-image, you will
learn six strategies to resist temptation and rewire your brain to think
more positively by replacing irrational,...
Those
who have struggled with addiction know the extent of the irrational thought
process we go through to fuel addiction. I was one hour away from the airport
when I decided not to fly to Bogotá, Colombia, to satisfy my need to waste
away. In retrospect, this was one of many pivotal moments when God began to
work in my life. I know someone who is suicidal doesn’t want to die! Someone
who is suicidal is desperately seeking help to escape emotional and/or physical
pain. The truth is that when someone is suicidal, they’ve been down a
rabbit hole for so long that they just want relief from what’s troubling them.
Their brains are out of balance, not functioning properly. They are not thinking
clearly. Whether it's a chemical imbalance or a sense that life has become too
overwhelming, they need unconditional love and support now more than ever to
uncover the root of their suffering. They require a team of doctors who are
continually learning about the complexities of the suicidal mind while closely
monitoring their medications. Also, if you are not being honest with your
family about drug and alcohol use, your family and doctors are limited in their
ability to help you.
If
you're feeling suicidal right now, please call 988, text TALK to 741741, or
visit the suicide crisis website: http://988lifelione.org. I called 988 when I thought I had
no one to turn to. The counselor was patient and understanding, guiding me
through tough times when I couldn’t gather my thoughts or couldn’t afford to
see a doctor. The suicide crisis hotline is free!
1.
List five positive
things you've learned about yourself during COVID-19. These could
include discovering a sense of humor, developing athletic skills, demonstrating
loyalty, cultivating faith, expressing creativity, or showing compassion. This
exercise lets you acknowledge your growth during a challenging time and foster
hope and positivity.
2.
What did you learn about
yourself during the COVID-19 pandemic that you'd like to improve? For example,
spending more time with family, practicing self-care, reducing social media
use, attending church more often, reassessing career options, or strengthening
relationships.
Statistic:
During the COVID pandemic, emergency room visits by
teenagers for suicide attempts increased notably. During February 21-March 20,
2021, emergency department visits for suspected suicide attempts among girls
ages 12-17 were 50.6% higher than during the corresponding period in 2019.
Among boys aged 12-17, these visits increased 3.7%.
Topic:
Negative
Thought Loops or “Rumination”
Negative thinking loops, often
called “negative thought loops or rumination,” happen when our mind repeatedly
cycles through the same distressing thoughts without finding resolution,
relief, or taking action. Over time, the brain comes to see these thoughts as
important, forming a pattern that keeps them replaying.
Topic:
My Social Media
Evaluation and Boundaries
In this section, you
will evaluate how social media affects your self-esteem, body image, and
communication skills. Then you will share your insights with your therapist to
establish personal boundaries. ...
“Man looks at the outward
appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Topic:
Medications and Relapse
In this section, you will take a
closer look at your medical history (e.g., Epic, MyChart, etc.).
Statistic:
Suicide is the second leading cause
of death among people ages 10-14, the second-leading cause among those ages
15-24, the fourth-leading cause among those ages 35-44, the eighth-leading
cause among those ages 55-64. In 2024, men age 74 and older had the highest
suicide rate among the male age groups reported by the CDC (40.1 per 100,000).
“I can
do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”
Philippians
4:13
Sherry’s Bookshelf
My first recommendation is
